EDITORIAL: Mapping Out Marvel's PHASE 3 Movies

With the recent release of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the MCU is well into Phase 2, and looking more exciting than ever. But who will make the cut for Phase 3? And what can we expect from the future of the MCU? Hit the jump to find out!

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By Minty - 4/12/2014

Hey guys. Firstly, this contain some SPOILERS for ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’, so if you haven’t seen it, don’t read it. On the back of that film, I’ve decided to take a look at what the MCU has to offer over the coming years, looking at six possible films in detail. While always try to include the facts, a lot of this editorial piece is my speculation, particularly with the unannounced Marvel movies. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this, it’s a big ‘un.

Edgar Wright’s ‘Ant-Man’ feels like it has been in production forever, but finally we’ll have a chance to see it come July 2015. Currently in pre-production, it’s due to start filming very soon, and casting is well underway. With Wright’s direction, a favourable release date, and two great leads in Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas, this little film is about to make big bucks at the Box Office (pun very much intended).

Scott Lang Vs Hank Pym

Perhaps already causing controversy is the selection of Scott Lang to be the modern day central hero, potentially putting Hank Pym in a back seat role. I don’t see this happening. In casting Michael Douglas, Marvel have signed on an acting legend who will demand screen time, and not be overshadowed (much like Robert Redford in ‘The Winter Soldier’).

If anything, I believe Scott Lang’s selection is more suited to Edgar Wright’s strengths. Rudd is a fantastic comedic actor, and Wright is great with handling comedy (a lot like Jon Favreau was with ‘Iron Man’). Additionally, his sympathetic back-story with his daughter and more morally grey nature may resonate better with modern audiences, who like a flawed hero.

Ultimately this allows for a more interesting and unique story. It’ll be the first MCU movie with two heroes taking up the same mantle – making it different from the other movies. This is something ‘Ant-Man’ needs in order for it to succeed, as it does have a fairly ridiculous concept. For this reason, a light-hearted tone will be essential.

The Wasp

Evangeline Lilly is still apparently “in talks” for a role in the movie, which people are quietly confidant will be Janet Van Dyne – a character equally as important as Ant-Man, as she was the first female member of the original Avengers.

However, in order for The Wasp to join The Avengers in the MCU (and in my opinion, she should – it’s way too male dominated at the moment), she will not be able to marry Hank Pym like in the comics (unless… you know… she doesn’t mind the age difference…). There have been suggestions that instead The Wasp will be Pym’s daughter. I personally like this concept, as it gives her a connection to Pym, but also allows her to remain in the present - most likely as the current Ant-Man’s love interest, ‘Mask Of Zorro’ style.

Rounding Off The Cast…

As for the supporting cast, Patrick Wilson has notably been cast in an “important role” (his words) – which many people see as a young Hank Pym, allowing the potential for flashbacks to the 60s (maybe even with Howard Stark – tying in with the Iron Man and Captain America franchises nicely). The ever-consistent Michael Pena has been cast in a unknown role, while Corey Stoll (who was great in ‘Midnight In Paris’) and Matt Gerald (aka White Power Dave from ‘All Hail The King’) have also been rumoured for villains.

Altogether that looks a very strong cast, with even more announcements possibly on the way. I have very little knowledge about Ant-Man villains, but from the research I’ve done most of them seem ridiculous – something Edgar Wright will love adapting, I’m sure. Personally I’d like the idea of potentially incorporating AIM or HYDRA into the story at some point, to tie Ant-Man in with the MCU a little more before he joins The Avengers.

The big thing everyone’s talking about at the moment is the potential showdown between Cap and ‘Batman Vs Superman’ in May 2016. ‘The Winter Soldier’ has been a big success, both commercially and critically, and the retention of the Russo Bros in the directors’ chair is very good to hear. I thought it was a bit of a dick move from WB to pick a fight with a Marvel film (at the same time it was running away from another one), but there is unfortunately only one winner here, and it’s not the Captain.

Ideally, Feige notices the second film’s success in April, and moves this release a month forward. This should give them a free run at the Box Office before Bats and Supes steamroll in, while also having the advantage of being the first CBM released that summer.

What Do We Know About The Movie?

The events of ‘The Winter Soldier’ changed the MCU to it’s core. The heroes no longer have their all important ‘safety net’ in SHIELD, while Cap & Falcon are out of the spotlight, Black Widow has seemingly disappeared again, and Bucky’s been set loose upon the world. The events of ‘Age Of Ultron’ is likely to change things even more for the characters (especially if Widow dies), but they’ll all likely be back, and joined by a few new and old MCU characters too.

What’s The Plot?

There have been a lot of suggestions that the Russo’s will adapt The Death Of Captain America arc. This plays well with the involvement of the Winter Soldier, as well as likely returns for Emily VanCamp as Agent 13 and Frank Grillo as Crossbones (who in the comics, deliver the killer blows), but does go against Chris Evans’ now infamous 6-film contract.

The other factor this relies upon is the return of the Red Skull, who was of course the architect of the events in that arc. Though I agree Cap’s arch-nemesis should return, it is unlikely to be Hugo Weaving who portrays him. Additionally, there have been calls to have Baron Zemo in the movie, someone who’s role will be diminished greatly if the Red Skull is in it too. Personally, I feel the Red Skull should be the main villain, revealing himself towards the end, while Thomas Kretschamann’s Baron Von Strucker should play a Zemo-esque role as Cap’s enemy for most of the film, with Crossbones of course causing trouble too.

Another major question is the involvement of SHIELD, or former SHIELD agents in this movie. Many people would like to see Nick Fury and Maria Hill return, and potentially even Phil Coulson and his rabble of TV misfits to make an appearance. I feel that the threat of HYDRA should be finally eliminated here, with the defeat of Von Strucker - after being a constant threat in ‘Age Of Ultron’ and ‘Agents Of SHIELD’ over the two years leading up to the movie.

One character I would love to see return in this movie would be Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye (again providing he doesn’t die), who has had very little to do so far in the MCU. I feel he’d team up well with Cap, Falcon and Agent 13, while Widow would be able to team up with The Winter Soldier as part of a separate storyline, before they all converge for the final fight against the Red Skull.

DOCTOR STRANGE

What’s The Buzz?

This is Kevin Feige’s passion project, and one that’s almost guaranteed to be a part of the MCU in the coming years. Already there have been hints and Easter Eggs laid down to suggest the Doctor’s impending arrival. The most notable hint was Sitwell’s name drop in last month’s ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’, which suggests by now Stephen Strange has already begun his journey towards becoming the Sorcerer Supreme.

Plot Ideas

Ideally, this film will start off a whole new ‘mystical’ corner of the MCU, while also tying in with its rapidly developing ‘cosmic’ side (perhaps through a connection to Thor). Strange’s origin has elements of ‘Batman Begins’ (East Asian roots and training etc), which Marvel could take inspiration from, all the while embracing the fantastical side of the Sorcerer Supreme as well. Though this is a little left-of-field, I think Marvel should also have a look at 2010’s ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’, which, although goofy and often poorly scripted, was still entertaining, and portrayed magic in the modern world in a successful and inventive way.

Baron Mordo is the obvious villain to include in this movie, as Strange’s personal magical rival. It is unlikely he is able to sustain the movie’s threat on his own, and I feel he may be more suited towards an anti-villain type role, not unlike Loki in ‘Thor: The Dark World’, while a character like Nightmare, or even the fan-favourite Dormammu, could provide the central threat.

I would personally love to see Elizabeth Olsen reprise her role as Scarlet Witch in this movie – in a similar role to Black Widow’s in the recent Captain America sequel. The similarity between the two character’s abilities makes this connection feasible, while it also ties in Doctor Strange to the MCU and gives him a route towards the Avengers.

Casting & Release

If Marvel follow their ‘one franchise, one new’ model they are implementing in this year and in 2015, then there is good cause to believe that a Doctor Strange movie will take the currently unoccupied July Marvel release date for 2016. Recently a shortlist of potential directors was released, with ‘50/50’ director Jonathon Levine’s name standing out for me in particular. Another option would be Nikolaj Arcel, whose film ‘A Royal Affair’ comes highly praised by critics, and could also potentially tempt the excellent Mads Mikkelsen into joining the movie (most likely as a villain).

There have been suggestions that Strange will take the place of Downey Jr’s Iron Man in the MCU, becoming the central character from which to build upon. If this is the case, then the actor must have sufficient charisma and screen presence. While the idea of someone like Corey Stoll as the Sorcerer Supreme appeals to me, he lacks the star power to follow on from Downey Jr. Instead, Marvel should look no further than another Sherlock Holmes: Bennedict Cumberbatch, who’s now free from the Hobbit franchise, and recently had a tour at Marvel Studios a little while back…

THOR 3

What’s The Buzz?

Other than Captain America 3, this appears to be the most nailed on certainty for Phase 3, following ‘The Dark World’s’ fairly impressive Box Office performance. Chris Hemsworth has almost perfected the role, while Tom Hiddleston’s Loki is arguably the most popular character in the MCU with audiences after Downey Jr’s Iron Man.

The main issue with the Thor franchise is ‘where to go now?’. With some of the more established stars like Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman growing tired of the franchise, and a fairly weak villain story in ‘The Dark World’, Marvel may struggle again to churn out a good plot. I’m already having nightmares about Darcy’s sidekick getting his own sidekick for Thor 3 – and with it, eating up even more precious screen time that really ought to go to characters that don’t make me want to gouge my eyes out.

Plot Ideas

Obviously the events of ‘Age Of Ultron’ will impact Thor in a very big way. In my opinion, the way to create out the best kind of film here would be to have Ultron kill the Norse God in 2015’s ‘Age Of Ultron’ (how big a blow that would be!), leaving him in Hel long enough for audiences to miss him – before Thor’s buddies in Asgard (who so far have been really short-changed for screen time) stage an audacious plot to rescue him.

Meanwhile, Loki’s reign of terror under the guise of Odin will continue, causing problems for Thor following his inevitable return. He possibly could also have some new allies in the form of The Enchantress and The Executioner, whom fans seem very keen on appearing.

However the real big bad ought to be Surtur, whose domain, Muspelheim, was hinted at in an Easter Egg in Thor: The Dark World. Enchantress could even back-stab Loki for Surtur, revealing her true allegiance, and forcing Loki to team up with Thor again. A nice touch would be if Odin dies in this film (assuming he’s not dead already), he does so watching his two sons fighting together, side-by-side, for Asgard.

Aside from cutting the time spent on Earth in favour of the other realms, the most important thing Thor 3 needs to do is to tie Marvel’s cosmic universe together - and specifically establish a connection with Thanos. How this will be done I don’t know, but I don’t envy the Thor 3 writers much on this one!

Casting & Release

Recently I was watching old episodes of ‘Veronica Mars’, and Amanda Seyfried’s beguiling performance on that show suggests that she could be a very good Amora. Elsewhere, more time should be focused on the likes of Idris Elba’s Heimdall and Jamie Alexander’s Sif, rather than bringing in too many new characters. In these actors they already have the star power, as well as a lot of great storytelling potential.

An important issue here is hiring a new director, following yet another departure in the form of Alan Taylor. Some would suggest going back to Kenneth Brannagh, who did a fine job on the first movie. Personally though, I’d like someone with more visual style, in order to portray the cosmic side of things a lot better. My suggestion would be someone like Rian Johnson or potentially even Duncan Jones.

I would expect Thor 3 to take the May 2017 slot Marvel has already booked. This appears to be the money-maker slot for CBMs (see ‘Iron Man 3’, ‘The Winter Soldier’), and Marvel would do well to use their franchise movies here to maximise Box Office potential.

THE INHUMANS

What’s The Buzz?

Another project Feige seems quite excited about - Marvel’s interest in these characters was announced as far back as 2012, along with Doctor Strange and the Guardians Of The Galaxy (the latter of which we’ll see this year!). Just like with the Guardians, Marvel have shifted focus towards the Inhumans in their comics, possibly in the run-up to announcing a movie?

Plot Ideas

This film would obviously open a great number of doors, and connect well with the cosmic universe Marvel is building with ‘Thor’, ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’ and seemingly even ‘Agents Of Shield’.

One idea people seem keen upon is the idea that Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch are Inhumans, and their powers originate from the Terrigan Mists (to make up for the no-mutants rule). This would fit together quite nicely, giving the Inhumans greater importance.

Traditionally, the comics focus on the Inhuman royal family (led by the imposing Black Bolt). While interesting, they’re unlikely to be able to tie-in well on their own to the Avengers. I’m not sure this is the angle I’d like Marvel to focus on. Though I may be alone in this, I would prefer to see an outsider’s view when they meet the Inhumans (like Johnny Storm & co in the ‘Ultimate Fantastic Four’ arc).

That person for me would be Carol Danvers. Hear me out. She would be a (former) SHIELD or SWORD agent, focusing on the cosmos, following the Chitauri invasion of New York (and maybe working with the likes of Jane Foster). Her work will see her cross paths with the Kree (who have seemingly appeared in ‘Agents Of SHIELD’, and will definitely appear in ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’), and ultimately become Ms Marvel.

Notably, the Inhumans can also trace their origins back to Kree experimentation – giving the two stories a strong connection. This would create a movie for Ms Marvel and the Inhumans – both of whom may have struggled to carry their own movie alone. And it also has a character in Ms Marvel who can then go on to join the Avengers in 2018.

One thing I’d love to see here is a cameo role for the Guardians Of The Galaxy (perhaps at the end). Ultimately though, this cosmic Phase 3 slot could just go to a Guardians sequel if the first movie is a rampant success at the box office. However, as it is the first movie of a franchise, this is unlikely to happen.

Casting & Release

In terms of casting, this film is much harder to call. Katee Sackhoff is a sci-fi fan favourite, but some see her as perhaps a little too old to play the role. Margot Robbie is an interesting one, as an up and coming star with plenty of potential, she’d be an good Ms Marvel in my eyes.

Meanwhile, Vin Diesel has strongly suggested he’ll be playing another character in the MCU. With the Vision already cast, it has become even more likely that he could be playing the Black Bolt (he has the imposing physical nature too).

Ultimately there will be one heavily cosmic MCU movie in Phase 3 – and I can see it taking the other 2017 slot as Marvel’s last movie before Avengers 3. Just like Guardians later this year, I can see an August release date for the Inhumans movie if it gets the green light.

BLACK PANTHER

What’s The Buzz?

This is starting to look like the MCU movie we may never get to see (at least not for a while). Based on the ideas above, Phase 3 would see four new characters join the Avengers line up for the climatic third chapter: Ant-Man, Wasp, Doctor Strange and Ms Marvel. Combine them with a likely Guardians Of The Galaxy appearance and the original Avengers and you have a very packed film already. There is almost certainly no room for another hero to join the ranks.

This is a shame, as Marvel do need a non-white led solo film, the same way they really do need a female led one as well. However, the Black Panther mythos is hardly the most well known, and you have to question whether it will catch on well with the public (although you could have said the same for Thor).

Plot Ideas

From my limited knowledge of the Black Panther, a film would likely see his inheritance of the mantle from his father, T’Chaka, and focus heavily on the country of Wakanda. A lot of people have noted the potential for a ‘Game Of Thrones’ inspired power struggle to be a key theme in the movie, with T’Challa coming up against a major rival in his own brother, M’Baku.

Another interesting villain could come in the form of Ulysses Klaw – who would be a Western outsider, trying to capitalise on Wakanda’s civil strife and grow rich on its vast vibranium reserves (not unlike some Western countries with African nations in the past). Klaw also has ties to AIM in the comics, offering a way to tie Black Panther towards Iron Man and maybe Ant-Man too.

Casting & Release

If I were to cast the role of an older, more battle worn Black Panther, I’d look no further than Chiwatel Ejiofor – the magnificent actor whose recent turn in ’12 Years A Slave’ has brought him widespread praise. For a younger Black Panther however, Chadwick Boseman appears to be the fan favourite, and a talented actor whose star is clearly on the rise.

Ultimately though I do not think we’ll be getting a Black Panther movie in Phase 3. If, by some happy miracle, it were to happen, I would imagine one of the other films above will have to be sacrificed. There is a small chance of Marvel slotting it in for a late November 2017 release - making 2017 the first year with three MCU movies (a step I’m Feige has been thinking about taking recently), but that is very optimistic.

Conclusion

Well I hope you enjoyed my theories and suggestions. Originally I was going to cover The Avengers 3, and Marvel’s TV projects such as ‘The Defenders’ and ‘Agents Of SHIELD’, but those are conversations for another day. One thing is for certain though, however Phase 3 ties it all together, the third Avengers film will be truly amazing – and will likely be the highlight in this ‘golden age’ of CBMs we find ourselves in. Feige, Whedon and the rest of the people behind the MCU have done a magnificent job, and long may it continue.

So yeah, till next time guys. Comment below if you’ve got any thoughts on the subject. Or you just wanna have a go at me. That’s fine too.

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For the record, I LOVE Cumberbatch. I'll watch every Sherlock he appears in. That said, I've actually grown weary of his name being throw by nerds at every role.

BUT...it's probably someone like that that's needed to get me in the theater for Dr. Strange. I know next to nothing about him, but open to a trailer getting me interested.

Also, I can't wait for Cap 3, if for no other reason that people can stop being so certain the Death plot will be used. Chris Evans is the first non-RDJ actor to get RDJ-ish box office for Marvel. Yeah yeah, 6 picture contract etc. Contracts can be renegotiated, money can be waved in his face.

Ant Man will certainly be interesting. I really can't wait to see how this film will be executed. For Cap 3, expect a bevy of bada** characters on both sides. It's going to be a thrill no doubt. Don't care for an Inhuman film at all. I'm going to pray for Thor 3, I really have no idea what they have planned for that movie. And it's overdue for Ms. Marvel and Black Panther. But if the rumors of her already being cast and making an appearance in AOU are true, then it won't be long for her. Great editorial!

P.S. Keep AOS cast out of the films. No thank you. Only May should be appearing since she was appointed by Fury himself. And of course she's BOSS too.

And I always thought Amanda Seyfreid would be an awesome Mockingbird. She's another I'm waiting to be added to the MCU.

scorpion- id say panther is more deserving of a solo film than ant man, and it doesent matter of the general audience isant familiar with him. black panther is a awesome character and deserves his own solo. but either way as long as they introduce him i'll be happy.

great article! good stuff and one of the best I've seen of it's type. right on. and good job.

I like a lot of your ideas a lot about these. Especially Thor 3, and Thor "dying" in Avengers 2 and how fun it would be to see Thor's friends do a rescue mission on him. Sif, Warriors 3 and Balder. I want them to introduce Valkyrie too, but later, i think.

and for Cap 3, i'd love it if it started off where Cap, since he doesn't have SHIELD anymore and just kinda messed up from whatever bad stuff i'm assuming goes down in AOU, I'd love to see him hop on his bike and just blow town. go off on his own on a trip thru America, like maybe the first third of the film could be like this.

Cuz in AOU, that's gonna mostly be dealing with what's going on, but Cap 3, it seems the first thing that it has to deal with is Cap looking around and going... what do i do now? He's always had the structure of things like the army and SHIELD, and Avengers hardly seems like any kind of a thing that would satisfy that need for order. so it seems like a bike trip would be the perfect thing to start out to show he's trying to find his place in the world again.

I think also, i just really love some of the stories I've read where it seems like he's just riding around and then suddenly, the weirdness just pops up again and it's like he can never escape the weirdness, it'll always find a way to rear it's head and suck him back into things.

@RedHood - I hope they skip the origin tho. I used to think Black Panther origin was best way to kick off the series. But then recently read some of Priest's run. The early ones, and now I think that's totally the way to go.

jump into where he's already established and no origin. I could see it either way tho, I just prefer this other approach recently.

Cheers for the comments so far guys. On the Inhumans sceptics I see where you're coming from but I like the way they tie everything together. That said, that cosmic slot could easily just go to 'Guardians 2' which I'd be more than happy with.

@ruadh - I know he's always cast in everything, but like you said in this case it'll need someone with his popularity to get people to see the movie. On Evans' contract, he'll definitely at least take a break as he's clearly set upon doing some directing. I personally don't think they'll kill him off though.

@Destined - Cheers man, Cap 3 is looking like a big one. Yeah I was only imagining a cameo for the AOS lot. Mockingbird would be a good call too for Cap 3 or a SHIELD movie

@kinghulk - I wasn't sure tbh. If she's Pym's daughter though, they can say she got her powers genetically from him. Not sure if I like that approach though...

@RedHood13 - Cheers for the compliment at least :) On the criticism you may have misunderstood some of my stuff (I wrote that section too quickly):

1)Yep I know his name's T'Challa, and by 'inherit' I did mean after his father's death (I should have written that bit)

2)Again I know M'Baku's Man-Ape, and I was going by the Ultimate comics, where M'Baku and T'Challa are brothers. My only real experience with Black Panther's background is the ultimate universe - this is probably where my inconsistencies with the 616 universe all come from

3)That's something I should have put in, so thanks for pointing that one out. Looking back I did rush this section (I was exhausted by this point :P )

@dethpillow - Thanks man. Yeah with Thor I feel by cutting down on Darcy and her little adventures, there'll be more time for characters like Balder and Valkyrie.

No, no, no, no, and, oh, btw, NO to killing of Cap in Cap 3. All the fanboys who want Cap killed off so that Bucky can take up the mantle (so that the movies can exactly follow their precious comic books) are a bunch of idiots. That might actually be the one thing that would piss me off enough to stop watching Marvel movies. Fortunately, Marvel is far too smart to do that. Evans is signed through Avengers 3 (no, the cameo in TDW did NOT count as one of his six films), and Marvel will definitely want him in Avengers 3. Killing off Thor and then bringing him back is more of a possibility, although after TDW I'm not sure if I want to see another Thor solo movie. I certainly hope a third is much, much better. Oh, and a big NO to another April start for Cap. While TWS is doing very well, I firmly believe it would have done much better in May or June or July. Instead, move it to July 4th weekend, where Capt. America belongs.

As far as Avengers 3 goes, even if this goes exactly as you predict, I don't think everyone of those characters will join the Avengers. I definitely don't see Ant-Man in it (especially because I think there is a 50-60% chance that the movie bombs.) Wasp maybe, just because they might want another female character, although Capt. Marvel might take that slot (oh, and I firmly believe that Danvers should get that name, and since that is what she is now called in the comics, I think that's the route Marvel will take.) I'm not sure if Dr. Strange would join the Avengers either, except maybe being called in for the final battle or something, which is how they can keep the movie from getting too crowded. Focus on the core group of Avengers (which can change, as I still hope they get rid of Hawkeye somehow) but call in others when their unique skills are needed. This would allow them to bring in Black Panther. And I kind of agree with those who think he should be introduced in another movie first, then get a solo movie. In fact, I would take it a step further. Introduce him in another movie (maybe Cap has to go to Wakanda in Cap 3 for vibranium for a new shield), have him help out a little in Avengers 3, then give him a solo movie.

As for these Inhumans, I don't really care about them or GotG either for now. Will see if the GotG movie in August changes my mind.

I know I've been saying this for a while, but I think that Cap 3 should basically be all out war between Cap and Co. and HYDRA led by Von Strucker. The events of the previous films have been leading up to something like that and it could kinda be like a mini Avengers sort of, maybe even setting up the Secret Avengers. Super excited for that regardless. Inhumans I think is gonna be really cool; I like how Marvel kind of found a loophole for using Mutants in the MCU through them, those clever bastards. Doctor Strange is gonna introduce the magical side of the MCU and Black Panther is gonna be sick if its done right (I'm talking badass martial arts sequences and exotic African locales). The only one I'm on the fence about is Thor 3. Didn't care for The Dark World and it's gonna have to do something special to get me excited (though the whole 'Ragnarok' storyline teased by Hemsworth is interesting to say the least). So all in all a ton to look forward too these next few years.

Another thing about killing Cap off in the comics...he wasn't dead! Or he came back, or whatever. It gets REALLY tiresome, and killing someone only to have them faking won't work as well with a main character. WINTER SOLDIER SPOILER: The audience can kinda believe Fury was killed as he's a big deal, but still a supporting character. but, he was faking it. You can pull that only so many times before the audience loses interest altogether. And to have a major character, especially the TITLE character, die...and then come back? Or even simply die and not come back, trust me, it will turn off a lot of the non-comic reading audience, which makes up FAR more of the box office than the nerds who go to see these movies only to complain about them on websites.

@Minty

I wanted to ask you, things like Strange and Inhumans...the dates you have, have those been confirmed at all? Or is it an educated guess given the release dates Marvel has booked? I know Cap was booked at least a couple months before I saw it announced on this site, so wondering if these are something else that's been slipped under the radar.

Also wanted to throw in there, Evans wanting to direct doesn't mean he's quitting acting. He's already made a statement that he ISN'T quitting acting, though I know he's unsure if he wants to continue this role. So was RDJ, but they were able to convince him to do two more Avengers films. So, wait until it's final to call it final.

I think a good way to save the Thor franchise would be a mini Avengers movie, sort of like how cap 2 had multiple characters... Thor should team up with the Warriors 3... This is a great idea and great fan service in my opinion. That's 4 v. 4 if they use enchantress, loki, surtur, and that other dude who usually teams with enchantress, the after credits should involve thanos beating the ever-loving Shit out of loki for having "failed him" (Avengers 1)I mean make this movie 2 and a half hours and this could be the perfect Thor movie... Kill Jane her character is pointless (kill Jane in Avengers 3)(i would have words with thee would be used after this) Awwww this is gold! I should help them write their movies... A Thor movie if done right should be an amazing fantasy adventure nearing on hobbit/Lord of the Rings film length

@ruadh - The two 2016 dates and the 2017 date appear to be dates Marvel have booked (I remember seeing an article about it a while back, and they've popped up on a few sits). Those would be May 6th 2016 (Cap 3), July 8th 2016 (TBA) and May 5th 2017 (again TBA). The last two dates i've added are educated guesses, based on past Marvel movie release dates.

On Evans I don't think he'll be away for long, but directing is a big commitment so it'll likely take up to a year of his time (depending on the size of the movie). An example I'd use would be Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who only had one role in all of 2013 - Don Jon, which he directed. This would probably just mean that if Marvel do contract him to a Phase 4 Cap like you predict, it wont come a little while after The Avengers 3, probably 2020/21.

But yeah, this (along with most of my article)is just speculation. A lot of the plot ideas are unlikely to happen, I'm by no means saying this is what Marvel are definitely going to do.

@ruadh, yeah, I knew he came back somehow (I rarely read comic books anymore) because no one ever stays dead in comics, especially heroes. And no, faking deaths gets old quick. Killing Thor might work just because with his character's mythology it naturally leads to something else, but I have my doubts about that too.

There are a lot of Superman fanboys who want to eventually see Doomsday and the death of Superman in a movie, in fact many seem to think that WB can't use Doomsday as a villain unless he kills Superman. They are also idiots.

Well, like you said, it depends on the size of the film he's working on, and it also depends on how involved he really is. If he's only the director, then it could take just 3-6 months. If he's writing and producing, then yeah, a full year would make sense. But it also just depends on his commitment. There's lots of actors who turn out a half dozen roles a year. Just depends on scheduling etc.

@Lhornbk,

I'd actually be down with Thor dying, just because of the rebirth/Ragnarok thing. And when he was hunting down all the Asgardians etc who had been brought back was a really sweet story. Also, rebuilding Asgard over Oklahoma would just be an interesting thing to have in a film. Of course, this also lends to Dark Reign/Siege, which is one of the comic plots I most want to see in a film.

I was fine with the way DKR ended, and appreciate closure like that. I've said elsewhere that things like Iron Man, I don't really want to see him killed, but would like a resolution to his movie story.

@ruadh, yeah, Thor is the one character that can be killed off and naturally brought back. The one thing would be whether general audiences would accept it. As for TDKR, I was fine with that too. My problems with that film were with the middle of it. But, Nolanites need to realize that universe is done, and stop whining to have it be canon in the MoS universe.

@ruadh & Lhornbk - I agree with you both that Thor dying would be okay, because he can be brought back. But like you said Lhornbk, audiences might become tired of this constant cheating of death by the characters (there's no longer any threat in the MCU). I think perhaps Coulson should have stayed dead (not really because of AOS's issues, but instead to maintain the impact of that death for the rest of the franchise).

That said, I also agree with ruadh about Tony Stark, in that I don't want to see him wind up dead. His story is nearing its end, and personally I feel he deserves a happy ending in Avengers 3, maybe just retiring with Pepper - a bit like TDKR (but obviously carried out in a different way).

I don't think Tony Stark will be killed, but I'm not sure if his story will end anytime soon. Feige has said that he thinks they can just switch actors instead of rebooting, as they do with James Bond. If they go that route, then it'll be a long time before they finish Stark's story (they would eventually. Even Bond rebooted when Craig took over.) The end of IM 3 would have been almost the perfect ending for Stark, but obviously he's not done yet. I'm with you, at some point I would like to see an ending, and some kind of reboot, even if it was only partial. I don't think Marvel will ever totally give up these characters, but a 4-7 year hiatus every now and then to focus on others would be nice. Eventually, audiences will tire of them, at least for a little while, so hopefully all these studios don't ruin a good thing by oversaturating the market or just using the same characters over and over.

I just don't want a George Lazenby. And as much as I like Cheadle, I STILL cringe a bit when it's not Terrence Howard. I prefer simple reboot. And my big fat hope is for the MCU to be wrapped up in a satisfying way, and then rebooted at the same time Sony lets go of Spider-Man.

I know I've mentioned it before, but I concur that IM3 felt like a satisfying ending. And of course I'm excited for Avengers 2 and 3 and whatever else, but I do hope for a conclusion before RDJ is out.

And I agree too that Coulson should have stayed dead. And I too am a watcher of the show, and one who never really complains about it, but do feel that even if the show was amazing, Coulson shouldn't have come back.

Lastly, Thor being able to come back really...it's just something that needs to be written in such a way that it's not a big fat slap in the face for the audience, but rather something that completely clicks and is something they embrace. Whether they read comics or not, it's possible and crucial.

@minty - i think the difference with Thor, is that when Thor "died", it'd probably immediately be revealed for what it was. like if he died in Avengers 2, I would expect a credit scene of him waking up in Hel. and Hela sitting up there. just so people didn't feel misled or sick of another "death".

or also, it would be cool to have an after credit scene where Thor wakes up in Valhalla. becuz he died a warrior's death. or at least for now, what Thor thinks is Valhalla, cuz then in Thor 3, while the Warriors 3, Balder and Sif are all busy on an adventure to bust him out, in the meantime, Thor needs something to do.

so either have him refuse Valhalla, becuz he doesn't feel he's really done yet, or have him realize that Valhalla is an illusion... either entirely as part of it's eternal nature, or a false Valhalla created by Hela, Loki and Enchantress to make sure he stayed "dead".

that would actually be cool, i think. better than him just waking up in Hel.

now that i'm thinking about it, it's driving me nuts. it could be so rad, almost like the Black Lodge in Fire Walk With Me. like not the style of it, but just how things worked in the most bizarre of logic. like that scene that Bowie was in. and they're fighting over their corn in the little bowls. stuff like that... Valhalla would work like that.

And maybe Valhalla would just be an illusion by nature. and kind of it's own hell for heroes who decided this was their final resting place.

maybe we are like peas in a pod. ^^^^^^ hahaha. but yeah, i love Twin Peaks, David Lynch in general. at least once a year, I go thru a whole "What if David Lynch would do a Marvel Comics movie, which one should he do?" and I could imagine a bunch working out really cool.

and yeah, Thor died fairly recently, I think. There might have been another time too. Also one of the things I'm not sure about is all the details around Surtur and Ragnorak, and how that story is usually handled. As far as Surtur, I don't even know what elements would be considered essential or not. I gotta read those soon.

I haven't watched Twin Peaks in years, but I kept buying the newer editions of the dvds. It's getting harder to watch it when I know there's not really going to be a solid resolution at the end. I keep hoping Mark Frost or someone will be talked into a semi-reboot. Just a new version that's more or less the same, but tighter, and actually has an ending.

Was he actually dead in the Thor movie? I didn't think he was yet, just a few minutes away from the injuries becoming fatal, when the Hammer goes back to him, giving him his powers back, including being almost impervious to serious injury. I wouldn't think the Hammer would go to a dead person, worthy or not.

oh... the Destroyer. hmmmm, I never thought about it like that really. I'm gonna have to watch it again this week. that makes sense tho, thinking about it now. but it seems like something kept me from feeling that he died even for a little bit. that's interesting.